The crew of Caister Lifeboat are counting down the days and months before they can get their hands on their £1.6m new boat, which is being tailor-made for them.
Caister Lifeboat's directors have seen how their new Medina Class lifeboat is taking shape and are delighted with its progress.
She is being built in Cowes on the Isle of Wight by Diverse Marine.
Measuring 45ft, the boat designed by Walker Marine Design will be capable of a top speed of at least 35 knots.
The lifeboat station's directors saw paintwork being applied and rubber fender being fitted.
The wheelhouse is due to be put into position once the engines are fitted.
In the next few weeks she will be put through her capsize test to ensure self-righting and water-tightness.
Then in the new year she will be put on sea trials and brought to Norfolk to be trialled in its launch carriage, which is being built by Seatrax in Great Yarmouth.
Its new tractor is being "marinised" by Marine Weld of North Walsham.
The overall project costs £2.5m and includes the tractor and launch system being built.
Caister Lifeboat coxswain Guy Gibson said: "We are really looking forward to seeing it all together and in the water."
The station's chairman Paul Garrod was also delighted to see how fast the boat project is progressing.
He said: "We have been waiting 20 years for a new boat near enough, so to see it being built is absolutely great.
"You can see where people's money has gone to."
Ben Colman, managing director of Diverse Marine, said his company already had links to the Great Yarmouth area as it was building a transfer vessel for the Scroby Sands Wind Farm. It is also carrying out work for a Lowestoft marine firm.
In March the independent lifeboat launched its Keep the Boat Afloat fundraising campaign for the new vessel, which is expected to be in service for at least 25 years.
She will replace the voluntary service's boat, the Bernard Matthews II, which has saved 54 lives over its 17 years in action.
For information on the lifeboat funding appeal and how to donate www.caisterlifeboat.org.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here